The Port Stephens community is pitching in to help Australia’s drought-stressed farmers.
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Here are just some of the events and campaigns that are currently running in the Port:
Rotary
Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay Rotary clubs have joined Rotary Australia, Channel 9 and the Federated Farmers Association’s campaign to provide aid to farmers in drought affected regions.
Nelson Bay Rotary Club will donate proceeds from its annual golf day on October 12 to the campaign. It is investigating a number of avenues in which it can used the funds, such as directing it at schools or hospitals in drought affected areas.
Funds raised from Salamander Bay Rotary Club’s Bunnings barbecue on Saturday, August 11 will go to the national campaign.
Rotary Australia’s World Community Services has set up a Drought Relief Fund which will also enable people to make a tax deductible donations. This also guarantees that every dollar raised will go to where it should with no handling fees involved.
Lions
Proceeds raised from Soldiers Point Lions’ barbecue at Tomaree Markets on Sunday, August 12 will be donated to the national organisation’s Need for Feed disaster relief fund.
Medowie Bale Out the Drought
The month-long campaign will hit its crescendo on Sunday, August 12 at the Bull n Bush Hotel.
“We have so many people keen to help out for this great cause,” organiser Ben Niland said. “We have seen kids donating their piggy banks and selling lemonade drinks, sports clubs donating raffle money, businesses kicking in vouchers and cash.”
The campaign had an initial fundraising goal of $20,000 but it is now close to raising $30,000.
“We’ve been totally swamped,” organiser Chris Doohan said. “The level of support and community spirit makes us proud to call Medowie home.”
At the hotel on Sunday from 10am there will be entertainment, food, activities and displays for children and adults.
The huge raffle and auction will be finalised on the day. Raffle tickets will be available at Medowie Markets on Saturday, August 11.
Campaign organisers will announce which Port Stephens town they will be handing the Bale out the Drought baton to.
All money raised goes to registered charity Rural Aid. The Bale out the Drought registration number is RASN2003.
Irrawang High School
The school kicked off a month-long Buy a Bale campaign for Hunter valley farmers on August 1.
Gary Bently from Rural Aid addressed the school on the first day of the campaign. He spoke about the plight of farmers and where and how the funds raised and donations made to the school will help.
There will be a whole school event each week for August to raise funds. A final trivia night will be held on September 14.
On August 10 there will be an out of uniform day, themed life on the farm.
Parents can donate online via the school website. The wider school community can direct debit to the account FARMER at the Greater Bank. BSB: 637-000, Account number: 722737644.
Port pitching in to help with The Big Dry:
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
